Bather movement apparatus

Abstract

Bather movement apparatus for use with a sidewall opening bath enclosure generally includes a chaise, a stanchion having a stirrup for supporting the chaise along with a pivot post extending exterior to the bath enclosure and a pivot arm interconnecting the pivot post and stanchion for enabling arcuate movement of the chaise between a bathing position within the bath enclosure and a doorway position outside of the bath enclosure. The movement of the chaise passes the chaise through the bath enclosure side opening.

Description

[0001]The present application claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 61 / 241,215 filed Sep. 10, 2009. This application is to be incorporated herein in its entirety.[0002]The present invention generally relates to a bath system and is more particularly directed to bather movement apparatus for enabling transfer of elderly and disabled persons into and out of the bathtub and more specifically to help lowering a person down into a bathtub for emersion and thereafter lifting the person out of the bath enclosure and through a side door to a position exterior to the bath closure.[0003]Typical bathtub bathing procedures are often difficult for some elderly and disabled persons not only due to the typically high wall structure of a bathtub but rising from a seated position when within the bathtub requires considerable strength, balance, and range of motion which may be limited by some by aging or disability.[0004]A great number of bath lift systems have been developed which are typically exposed...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a bather movement apparatus that allows a person to move from a wheelchair to a bath and then move within the bath. The apparatus includes a chaise with a stirrup and a pivot post that connects to a stanchion. The chaise can move arcuately between a bathing position within the enclosure and a doorway position outside the enclosure. The apparatus also includes a roller and an arcuate track for supporting the chaise, a guide wheel for controlling the movement of the chaise, and a piston for raising and lowering the stirrup and chaise. The chaise can also be hinged mounted to the stirrup for positioning in a supine position. The apparatus also includes massage nozzles for providing therapy to the person and fluid channels for connecting the nozzle to the pivot post. The technical effects of this invention include improved mobility for people with disabilities and increased comfort and therapy for people in the bath."

Problems solved by technology

Typical bathtub bathing procedures are often difficult for some elderly and disabled persons not only due to the typically high wall structure of a bathtub but rising from a seated position when within the bathtub requires considerable strength, balance, and range of motion which may be limited by some by aging or disability.

A great number of bath lift systems have been developed which are typically exposed lifting devices disposed adjacent a bathtub which are not particularly aesthetically appealing.

Most, bath lift systems are designed for use with rigid wall bathtubs and accordingly do not provide convenient use thereof.

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